Exodus 25:18
And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
מִקְשָׁה֙
of beaten work
H4749
מִקְשָׁה֙
of beaten work
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
5 of 10
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:5And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.Ezekiel 10:20This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.1 Chronicles 28:18And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.Ezekiel 10:2And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.
Historical Context
Beaten work (מִקְשָׁה, miqshah) required skillful hammering of solid gold, creating the cherubim and mercy seat from a single piece. This one-piece construction ensured the mercy seat could never be separated from its guardians of holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does atonement satisfy rather than circumvent God's holiness?
- Why are even angels fascinated by the mercy shown at the place of atonement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Two cherubim of beaten gold form one piece with the mercy seat—not separate additions but integral to it. Cherubim, the guardians of God's holiness (Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 10), flank the throne. Their unity with the mercy seat shows that at the atonement, holiness is satisfied, no longer excluding but protecting restored fellowship. They prefigure angels who 'desire to look into' salvation (1 Peter 1:12).